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About UNTIL

Leveraging emerging technology to transform societies, nations and the humanity as a whole.

The UN Technology Innovation Labs (UNTIL) are designed to move humanity forward, faster by focusing on the use of innovative technology to solve some of humanity's most pressing needs.

Recognizing that innovation plays a critical role in moving the United Nations forward and acknowledging that the United Nations’ ability to innovate and engage in partnerships will be a significant factor in the efforts to successfully implement the SDGs (and the broader mandates of the United Nations), the UNTIL Lab programme is designed to support the journey to review, build, adopt and implement technology solutions to address problems that Member States are facing.

To engage the gears of innovation proactively, the United Nations Office of information and Communication Technology (OICT) is establishing “United Nations Technology Innovation Labs” (UNTIL). Using cutting-edge frontier technology currently available, such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, internet of things, fintech and the use of drones to answer Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) challenges, UNTIL aims at using technological innovation to resolve day to day issues. In line with the ICT Strategy (A/69/517) approved by the UN General Assembly at its 69th session, OICT is establishing new UNTIL Labs locations in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Labs in other regions are planned for a second implementation phase in response to specific Member State’s host requests.

Each UNTIL is based on different humanitarian themes that are central to the needs of each individual Labs specific geolocation. The Labs will use AI, Blockchain, IoT and other high-tech tools to develop technology solutions that will be open source and avaiLable globally to all Member States once operational.

The goal of the UN Technology Innovation Labs is to function as a start-up environment and create a platform for collaborative problem solving between UN resources, Private sector, Academia and Civil Society. Each Lab will facilitate linking this platform with innovators and mentors from across the globe as well as to facilitate the global exchange of ideas and resources. UNTIL will function as a Laboratory and tool, offering advisory support and guidance that will facilitate problem-solving through hands-on-workshops, immersion-learning, and incubated projects.

Each Lab will focus on specific thematic areas of concern to the host country. Themes will not be duplicated to the extent possible in other global Labs, but technology will be shared and transferred creating an ecosystem of innovative technology tools and test beds for proof of concepts.

Why do we need UNTIL Labs?

Technology has changed virtually every industry in the last decade and now it is time to apply that change to delivery on UN mandates.

Strong demand from member states.

Technology is critical to making an exponential impact in how we achieve the UN goals.

Partners (including UN entities, funds, and programmes) and Member States are seeking ways to utilize high technology, connect with each other and develop open source tools to deliver meaningful impact.

How UNTIL Works?

All ICT solutions will be open source to enable sharing and technology transfer among other member states.

The labs will work collaboratively with diverse expertise across disciplines and industries to develop innovative technology solutions.

The labs will leverage the UN and connect parties across national boundaries and offer global innovation avoiding “reinventing the wheel”.

UNTIL Programme Cycle

Who are the people behind UNTIL?

The UN Technology Innovation Labs (UNTIL) are designed to move humanity forward, faster by focusing on the use of innovative technology to solve some of humanity's most pressing needs.

Host country

ICT ministries
National innovation agencies
Private partners
Leading tech universities in the country
Leading industry players in the country

"The advances of the fourth Industrial Revolution, including those brought on by a combination of computing power, robotics, big data and artificial intelligence, are generating revolutions in health care, transport and manufacturing.
I am convinced that these new capacities can help us to lift millions of people out of poverty, achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and enable developing countries to leap‑frog into a better future."